Mokganyetsi and Mathane in mind games as AGN Elections draw nearer

It is a big week for Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) as its members get ready to elect a new board. Hendrick Mokganyetsi will take on incumbent John Mathane for the right to lead the regional athletics federation at the elections which take place at the Pilditch Stadium on Saturday. Mokganyetsi and Mathane have been playing mind games with each other since the election nomination list was made public.

For example, Mokganyetsi claims to have introduced several changes since he took over as the athletes’ commission chair, but Mathane refutes those claims. “Since I became the athletes’ commission chair I made a lot of changes and made life easier for the athletes. When I got here, there was no budget for athletes. I can introduce more changes on top of the development that I intend to introduce,” said the World Championship bronze medalist. However, Mathane laughed off those claims and insisted that there was already a budget when the three-time Olympian came into office.“What budget? Let the people decide whom they want as their president. I do not want to count my achievement one by one, but I know that the athletes want me to stay on,” said Mathane.

Mokganyetsi who has been hard at work on the campaign trail canvassing for votes, believes it's time for a change and that the people demand it. “The winds of change is blowing and I am that voice to introduce those changes,” Mokganyetsi told #TheTopRunner. Both candidates are confident of walking away with the AGN presidency, with the popular Mathane is relying on his popularity to remain in his position.

Mathane claims that Double-Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, SA relay coach Paul Gorries, and Henricho Bruintjies, sent him personal text messages to voice their support and want him to stay. “I do not like talking too much about what I would achieve if I win the elections. Actions speak louder than words and I am a man of actions. Today, AGN is the best athletics province in the country with top SA athletes that consistently deliver at the highest level. Come and see what we have done with the Pilditch Stadium. I am not scared, I am not nervous and I am waiting for the people to confirm me as their president," he said assuredly.

Mathane said he would relinquish power and offer his 100% support to Mokganyetsi should he be defeated in the eagerly awaited elections. “I have no intention of holding on to power if I lose the elections. I am popular because the people and athletes love me and they have

all indicated that I should serve a third term. While others waited for the list to be revealed, I have always indicated that I am available to serve for another four year term. I believe that I will do an even better job than I did in the past as AGN president," Mathane added.

Mathane made it clear that he does not see Mokganyetsi as a threat. Violet Khumalo of Shosholoza Athletics Club and James Matshekga of Arcadia Athletics Club are also contesting the presidency. However, insiders suggest that Mathane and Mokganyetsi are the frontrunners. “It’s a two-horse race. Mokganyetsi has been campaigning day and night making calls and all sorts of promises. On the other hand, Mathane is as cool as a cucumber. He is popular and the people love him. Mokganyetsi has put a lot into his campaign. But it will be a big victory for Mathane," the source told the Top Runner.

AGN election nomination

list

President

John Mathane - Mamelodi Athletics Club.

Hendrick Mokganyetsi - DCS Pretoria.

Violet Khumalo - Shosholoza Athletics Club.

James Matshekga - Acardia Athletics Club

Vice-president

John Mathane - Mamelodi Athletics Club.

Hendrick Mokganyetsi - DCS Pretoria.

Violet Khumalo - Shosholoza Athletics Club.

James Matshekga - Acardia Athletics Club

Chris Britz - Tuks

Sipho Shawe - Ekangala Athletics Club

Fundi Hlobo - Tuks

Midah Shonah Manamela - Cot AC

Athletes Commission

Chairperson

Lukhanyo Mabinza - Eyethu AC.

Mariam Mooki - DCS

LJ van Zyl - Tuks

Hendrick Mokganyetsi - DCS PTA

Mulalo Mammburu - Faranani AC

Enoch Skhosana - Nedbank AC

Zintle Mokoka - SGR AC

Peter Nteo - Cultivation AC

Dan Koane - Ford AC

Mooki PM - Correctional Service

John Mathane - Mamelodi AC

Cross Country Chairperson

Buks Meyer - GMMA

Catherine Skhosana - Born 2 Run

Bongani Zondi - Education AC

Emmanuel Nkwane - Ford AC

Race Walking Chairperson

Chris Callaghan - Love Running

Chris Britz - Tuks AC

Thokozani Ntuli - Atteridgeville AC